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Architectural Alliance, Minneapolis
Zimmer Gunsul Frasca, Seattle
M.A. Mortenson
144,000 GSF
$83 Million
Physics and Nanotechnology research requires a highly technical environment that can constantly adapt to the latest technologies. Tate Laboratory of Physics, the current home to the School of Physics, cannot adequately serve the department’s research needs. Recruiting and retaining quality faculty and graduate students for cutting edge research requires the construction of a new research facility.
The new Center for Nanostructure Applications (CNA) is a necessary addition for the University of Minnesota to remain a leader in the field of nanotechnology. The CNA will provide space for this heavily funded and technologically demanding research.
The proposed building will house the laboratories, offices, and collaborative work spaces for the faculty, staff, and graduate students of the Department of Physics. Several of the major experimental or observational research groups in the Department of Physics will have their laboratories in the building. The research space will be flexible, with adequate utilities, environmental controls, and modern safety accommodations to accommodate the needs of evolving research programs.
The space for the CNA will be well-defined, contiguous, and distinct from other occupants of the building. The space will be a flexible and adaptable multidisciplinary research facility able to support chemical, biological, or physical researchers. The center will consist of flexible use laboratory clean room space, support spaces, and office spaces.
Infrastructure improvements required to support the new building will be part of the project, including utility extensions, chiller, electrical service, and the treatment of storm water. In addition, the extension/straightening of Harvard/Union Streets will be coordinated with this project.
December 2010: Schematic Design Complete
December 2011: Construction Documents Complete
November 2011: Construction Begins
December 2013:
Construction Complete
The installation of the drilled piers for the building foundation is essentially complete. The tower crane is now installed. Basement excavation is now complete. Work is underway for the installation of the basement level foundation walls and basement level building structural columns. Work is underway for the installation of the basement level under-floor plumbing piping and under-floor electrical conduits.
Foundation work continued this month with ongoing installation work for the drilled support piers and the start of the mass excavation for the basement level.
Construction started this month with site clearing and grubbing being completed in addition to site and utility excavations starting.